Challenging Trump Administration Over Illegal Freeze of Billions For Electric Vehicle Charging

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure is a transformative, $5 billion initiative to build electric vehicle charging stations every 50 miles on major corridors across all 50 states. It is essential as the American public increasingly opts for electric vehicles that are more accessible than ever before.

Clients

Sierra Club Climate Solutions Southern Alliance for Clean Energy CleanAIRE NC West End Revitalization Association Plug In America

Regional Office / Program

Northwest Office

Case Overview

Represented by Earthjustice, a coalition of environmental, consumer, and community organizations joined a challenge brought by 16 states and the District of Columbia to the Trump administration’s unlawful, indefinite freeze of billions in federal funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

In Feb. 2025, the Trump administration halted the NEVI Formula Program, issuing a letter to states that prohibited new projects and cancelled previously-approved state plans for using the funds.

Although $3.27 billion had been allocated to states, only $525 million had been committed to specific projects, leaving $2.75 billion indefinitely frozen. NEVI is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Congress passed in 2021.

The Federal Highway Administration and Department of Transportation acted without authority, unreasonably, and in violation of the Constitution when they indefinitely froze the NEVI Formula Program. The coalition is seeking the nationwide restoration of NEVI funds to build EV charging stations along highways across the country.